Malaysia and Borneo

On a coral reef island off the northern coast of Borneo, a short ferry ride from Kota Kinabalu, the award-winning Bunga Raya Resort occupies a tranquil bay of aquamarine water enfolded by rainforest and mangroves. Its 48 timber villas, terraced into the hillside, make the most of the uplifting views. Handcrafted from local hardwoods, they range from simple cottages, three steps from the sand, to palatial, multi-floored units with wrap-around decks and their own private plunge pools, from where you can watch hornbills and giant butterflies flit through the surrounding canopy. A hilltop spa, drawing on the power of indigenous plants and oils, completes the picture.